Notable deaths in the Cape Fear region in 2013

Saturday

Roy Parker Jr., 83. The founding editor of The Fayetteville Times, he became a contributing editor of the merged Observer-Times, as well as an editorial writer and columnist for the Observer. April 3.

Leighton B. McKeithen Jr., 88. He was the minister at Sherwood, Big Rockfish and Comfort Presbyterian churches and, for 14 years, at Highland Presbyterian Church. May 8.

F.A. "Fritz" Healy, 82. A Fayetteville civic leader and prominent businessman, he was elected to lead the Fayetteville-Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce in 1984. May 13.

James E. Holshouser, 78. The Moore County lawyer was elected governor in 1972, the first Republican to hold that office since the 19th century. He served four terms in the N.C. House and practiced law in Southern Pines until his death. June 17.

Milton R. Wofford, 77. He served on the Fayetteville City Council 1981-86 and 1987-89 and on the Public Works Commission 1994-2002. July 6.

Moses Mathis, 76. Known as the Bicycle Man, he created a charity that repaired and gave bikes to needy children for more than 20 years. July 15.

Henry Cuningham, 61. As military editor of The Fayetteville Observer, he covered Fort Bragg and military news locally and abroad. Aug. 22.

Linda Stephens, 65. A Lillington town commissioner since 2007, she retired from Harnett County schools after 33 years. Aug. 29.

Retired Army Lt. Gen. James B. Vaught, 86. A former chief of staff of the 18th Airborne Corps and a hero of the Vietnam War, he also served in World War II and the Korean War. His final tour of duty as a lieutenant general came in Korea, where he was commanding officer of American and South Korean forces. He is credited as the founder of the 1st Corps Support Command, which is now known as the 1st Sustainment Command (Theater). Sept. 20.

John McRainey, 60. Chief jailer for the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office. Oct. 15.

Retired Cpl. Rudy Hernandez, 82. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in April 1952 for courageous actions in the Korean War. Dec. 21.

John Koenig, 83. The Fayetteville businessman and real estate developer was instrumental in the development of the Airborne & Special Operations Museum. He was a 22-year Army veteran. Dec. 24.

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